Kick off 2014 with the fourth annual Graphic Novel Panel, held by our friends at the Seattle Graphics Arts Guild! Every year, it just gets better and better, and here’s what you can expect on Saturday, January 25th:

From 10:00 AM to Noon, the amazing Megan Kelso will lead a workshop on “Comics for Writers” — This workshop is for writers who are interested in comics and want to dip their toe in but who may be self-conscious about their drawing skills. Perfect! Megan will lead the class in both drawing and writing exercises — all drawing abilities are welcome!

The great David Lasky will also teach a workshop on “How to Make Your Own Mini-Comic”! He will guide you in booklet-making, the grammar of comics, and simple character design. Supplies and basic drawing tips will be provided. Drawing skills are helpful, but not necessary; the only prerequisite is a desire to communicate through the medium of comics.

Later that afternoon at 1:00 PM, our own Kristy Valenti will be on the Graphic Novel Panel, alongside Matthew Southworth, Crystal M. Rollins, Quenton Shaw, Travis Bundy, andmoderator Mark Monlux. How do you get started? What are the essential tools? How do you build a career in today’s publishing climate? These are just some of the questions they’ll explore in this panel! (And check out a great chat with Kristy here!)

This event is open to the public, and you can get your tickets here for either the class, the panel, or the whole shebang! Tickets are not needed to attend the after-party.

The Graphic Novel Panel 2013 takes place at the Seattle Design Center [ 5701 6th Avenue South, Plaza Building, Suite 370 ]. The Plaza Building entrance is on Orcas between 5th & 6th. Suite P370 is on three floors up from street level. Take the elevator to first floor, then glass elevator to third floor. From the Atrium Building cross the sky bridge to Plaza Building, take glass elevator to third floor. Free parking!

And, of course, the Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in Seattle’s Georgetown district. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM.

– See more at: http://www.fantagraphics.com/events/904.html#sthash.efWVOEP9.dpuf